Kyoto Travel Guide

Guidebooks

Photo: Naomi Hasegawa/iStockphoto.com

The astonishing number of temples, shrines, and palaces that adorn the city make Kyoto's architecture its most famous feature abroad. Japan's capital for more than 1,000 years, Kyoto was the center not only for politics, but religion, philosophy, art, culture, and cuisine. Every one of Japan's refined cultural arts blossomed from seeds that were planted here, including the tea ceremony, Kabuki theater, Zen, and Tantric Buddhism.

Hotels

Kyoto Hotels

No other Japanese city can compete with Kyoto for style and grace. For the ultimate experience of Kyoto hospitality, stay in a ryokan, a traditional Japanese...read more

Fodor's Choice

Restaurants

Kyoto Restaurants

Attuned to subtle seasonal changes, Kyoto cuisine emphasizes freshness and contrast. From the finest ryotei (high-class Japanese restaurants) to the smallest...read more

Fodor's Choice

Things To Do

Things To Do in Kyoto

Explore the best sights, entertainment, and shopping with our top choices and insider tips.

Travel Deals in Kyoto

* Some taxes, fees additional
Hotels

Kyoto Experiences

  • Top Reasons to Go to Kyoto

    Architecture: Despite modernization, about 27,000 traditional houses remain. The preservation districts include Sannen-zaka, Gion Shin-bashi... Read more

  • A Brief History of Kyoto

    Although Kyoto was Japan's capital for more than 10 centuries, the real center of political power was often elsewhere, be it Kamakura (1192... Read more

  • On the Menu

    Compared with the style of cooking elsewhere in Japan, Kyoto-ryori (Kyoto cuisine) is lighter and more delicate, stressing the natural flavor... Read more

  • Getting to Know Gion

    Japan's traditional and modern worlds intersect where Shijo-dori crosses Hanami-koji-dori in the district of Gion. To the south, cobblestone... Read more

  • Kyoto Crafts

    Temples, shrines, and gardens can't be taken home with you. You can, however, pack up a few omiyage (mementos) for which this city is famous... Read more

News & Features

View more blog stories

Free Fodor's Newsletter

Subscribe today for weekly travel inspiration, tips, and special offers.

· Travel Planner

View more planning tips

·Weather

Weather Underground
partlycloudy

Now

81° F Partly Cloudy 58% Humidity Aug 2, 2013 at 0:30PM

Check historic weather for your trip dates

Arriving:
Go

 Places To Explore

 Fodor's Trip Planning Ideas

· Forums Trip Reports

  • Kyushu Trip May 2013

    Trip Report Kyushu May 2013
    I will try to trace our Kyushu trip for forum members and those interested in this part of Japan.
    Here is basic itinerary
    0-- Depart Hawaii, Hawaiian Air - Honolulu -Fukuoka Read more

  • A tale of two Japans: a trip report

    Greetings all
    We are back, and I am jotting down a few things quickly while my mind is still fresh.
    First off: thanks to the many Japanophiles here on Fodors who infected us with their enthusiasm: hawaiiantraveller, Read more

View more trip reports

·

View more travel discussions